Coldwater, MI
Population 13,847 · Michigan
About Coldwater, MI
Coldwater is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 13,847 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,084 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Coldwater features a median home value of $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Coldwater one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $912, 22% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,980 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (2,814 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,775 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Coldwater shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Coldwater have an average one-way commute time of 16.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.5% of Coldwater residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 12.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Coldwater, MI
Compared to national averages, Coldwater has a median household income of $50,084 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $912 is 22% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Coldwater's income is 24% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 34% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Coldwater, MI?
Coldwater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $912/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,084) that falls below the national average. However, Coldwater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Coldwater has a population of 13,847 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare Coldwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Coldwater
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sault Ste. Marie | 13,373 | $55,031 | $127,300 | Compare |
| Fraser | 14,604 | $61,118 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Owosso | 14,658 | $53,702 | $121,500 | Compare |
| Ionia | 12,950 | $60,729 | $161,100 | Compare |
| Rochester | 12,939 | $104,920 | $450,800 | Compare |
| Woodhaven | 12,761 | $83,291 | $221,200 | Compare |
| Hazel Park | 14,945 | $62,878 | $141,200 | Compare |
| Berkley | 15,084 | $113,103 | $289,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Coldwater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Coldwater
What is the population of Coldwater, MI?
The population of Coldwater, MI is 13,847 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Coldwater?
The median household income in Coldwater, MI is $50,084 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Coldwater?
The median home value in Coldwater, MI is $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Coldwater?
The median monthly rent in Coldwater, MI is $912, which is 22% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Coldwater?
The unemployment rate in Coldwater, MI is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Coldwater, MI a good place to live?
Coldwater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,847 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Coldwater, MI?
14.5% of residents in Coldwater aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Coldwater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Coldwater, MI: median home value is $120,900 (51% below national), median rent is $912/month, and median household income is $50,084. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Coldwater?
The poverty rate in Coldwater, MI is 19.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Coldwater, MI?
Coldwater's population is 5.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 4.9% two or more races. 12.2% of residents are foreign-born.